Royal Tailor – “Start Over” (Devotional)

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. – Matthew 6:14-15

So, who is it?  Who hurt you?  Have you forgiven them?  Have you been able to start over?  If you believe God is who he says he is, and you believe his word is true then you must submit to the truth of this scripture.  IΓÇÖm sure youΓÇÖd be the first to admit that youΓÇÖre not perfect so it would follow that Jesus is willing to start over with us every day!  In spite of how many times we do things against his word and his ways he is always willing to start over. Unless.  Unless we are willing to start over with others.  Jesus doesnΓÇÖt work in circumstances and situations that we donΓÇÖt give him.  When we withhold forgiveness from someone, we are blocking God from being able work in that specific situation.  

Forgiveness opens the door to redemption.  The unwillingness to forgive closes it. 

As you read this scripture today and listen to our song, ΓÇ£Start Over,ΓÇ¥ I want you think about all the ways God has shown his relentless, unconditional, unmerited love towards you and I want your heart to be challenged to do what you feel is impossible, giving those who have hurt you a chance to start over.